Carrboro Sues Duke Energy for Alleged Climate Crisis Ignorance
TL/DR –
The Town of Carrboro is suing Duke Energy Corporation for allegedly lying about the threats posed by climate change and undermining efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The lawsuit claims that Duke Energy’s deception and negligence has worsened the climate crisis, directly threatening the town’s residents and costing them millions of dollars. Duke Energy is the third-largest contributor to climate change in the U.S., operating several coal-powered plants in North Carolina, and the lawsuit alleges that the company’s delay in transitioning to cleaner energy sources will cost the town millions in infrastructure and stormwater investments, as well as increased energy costs for residents.
Carrboro, in a landmark case, sues Duke Energy over climate change deception
This week, the Town of Carrboro launched a lawsuit against Duke Energy Corporation. They accuse the corporation of misrepresenting climate change threats and undermining fossil fuel consumption reduction efforts.
The lawsuit alleges Duke Energy’s deception about climate change risks over several decades directly threatens its 21,000 residents, costing them millions.
At a press conference, Mayor Barbara Foushee asserted Carrboro is the first to challenge an electric utility over the dangers of fossil fuels and seek damages for community harm.
The suit claims that Duke Energy’s actions and negligence have exacerbated the climate crisis, disrupting the public’s rights to property, health, safety, and transportation.
The lawsuit argues that Duke Energy’s slow response to the climate crisis will cost Carrboro millions in infrastructure and stormwater investments and increased energy costs due to delayed transition to cleaner power sources.
Mayor Foushee criticized Duke Energy for its increasing dependence on coal and gas for electricity and new gas power plants, which have profited at the community’s expense.
Despite the unanimous decision of the town council to sue, Duke Energy stated it was “reviewing the complaint” and would continue to work towards clean energy while maintaining low rates.
Duke Energy, the US’s third-largest contributor to climate change, operates several coal-powered plants in North Carolina.
The staggering cost of climate change
With climate change denial rampant in the government, the scientific consensus that fossil fuels are the primary cause of dangerous global warming remains undisputed.
Despite access to overwhelming scientific evidence, the fossil fuel industry has spent millions to misinform the public about climate change threats, as documented in numerous reports and books.
Climate change poses a multi-billion dollar threat to North Carolina annually, with the damage from Hurricane Helene alone estimated at nearly $54 billion.
A new report indicates that climate change has intensified each hurricane in 2024. Experts predict the likelihood of at least one thousand-year storm each year due to climate change.
The lawsuit follows the North Carolina Utility Commission’s approval of Duke’s delay in reducing carbon emissions, pushing the first deadline to 2032.
‘Catastrophic effects’
Despite the surprising speed of the accelerated risks, the consequences have long been anticipated by climate scientists and the largest contributors to climate change.
The lawsuit presents the minutes from a 1968 industry meeting attended by high-ranking Duke officials, where scientists warned of potential catastrophic effects due to anticipated levels of fuel consumption.
—
Read More US News; North Carolina News